Foot Scrubber

ABSTRACT

A foot scrubber for efficiently cleaning the underside of one&#39;s foot in a hands free manner. The foot scrubber generally includes a receptacle having a base, a pair of sidewalls having drainage openings, and a pair of end walls to form a receiving cavity therebetween, gripping means, such as a gripping pad, connected to a lower surface of the base for securing the receptacle to a solid surface such that the receptacle remains substantially stable and stationery during use, a sponge member removably positioned within the receiving cavity of the receptacle. The sponge member includes a projecting upper portion extending upwardly beyond the receptacle for massaging, scrubbing and washing an underside of a foot. A plurality of posts may extend upwardly from an upper surface of the base and received within receiver openings of the sponge member for further stabilizing the sponge member within the receptacle.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable to this application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable to this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a foot cleaning device andmore specifically it relates to a foot scrubber for efficiently cleaningthe underside of one's foot in a hands free manner

2. Description of the Related Art

Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should inno way be considered as an admission that such related art is widelyknown or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

Foot washing and cleaning devices have been in use for years. Typically,when cleaning the underside of one's foot, such as while in the showeror bathtub, the user must bend their knee to extend their foot upwardsto directly access the underside of their foot with a cleaning device(e.g. soap, sponge, etc.). This can be dangerous to the user in that thefloor of the shower or bathtub is often very slippery which can lead tothe user slipping and potentially hurting themselves. Another problemwith cleaning the underside of one's foot in this manner is that it maybe difficult for some individuals not able to bend or stretch in such amanner.

Other foot cleaning devices which are typically placed upon the floor ofthe bathtub and engaged to clean the underside of the foot are alsocommonly utilized. However, one problem with these stationary footcleaning devices is that they typically do not firmly grasp the floor ofthe bathtub, thus allowing the cleaning device to slip and potentiallycause the individual to slip along with the cleaning device. Anothercommon problem is that the cleaning devices do not allow forinterchanging the sponge or scrubber, thus not allowing for differenttypes or textures of sponges or scrubbers to be used on the foot andadding unnecessary expense for the user, wherein the user must replacethe entire cleaning device once the sponge or scrubber becomes wore.Because of the inherent problems with the related art, there is a needfor a new and improved foot scrubber for efficiently cleaning theunderside of one's foot in a hands free manner.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system for efficiently cleaning the underside of one's foot in a handsfree manner. The invention generally relates to a foot cleaning devicewhich includes a receptacle having a base, a pair of sidewalls havingdrainage openings, and a pair of end walls to form a receiving cavitytherebetween, gripping means, such as a gripping pad, connected to alower surface of the base for securing the receptacle to a solid surfacesuch that the receptacle remains substantially stable and stationeryduring use, a sponge member removably positioned within the receivingcavity of the receptacle. The sponge member includes a projecting upperportion extending upwardly beyond the receptacle for massaging,scrubbing and washing an underside of a foot. A plurality of posts mayextend upwardly from an upper surface of the base and received withinreceiver openings of the sponge member for further stabilizing thesponge member within the receptacle.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features ofthe invention in order that the detailed description thereof may bebetter understood, and in order that the present contribution to the artmay be better appreciated. There are additional features of theinvention that will be described hereinafter and that will form thesubject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, beforeexplaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is tobe understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction or to the arrangements of the components setforth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Theinvention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced andcarried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of thedescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the presentinvention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes betterunderstood when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference characters designate the same orsimilar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of the present invention with thesponge member exploded from the receptacle.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the present invention secured to a floorsurface.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the receptacle illustrating the film paperbeing peeled away from the lower adhesive of the gripper pad.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the receptacle.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the sponge member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A. Overview

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar referencecharacters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1through 7 illustrate a foot scrubber 10, which comprises a receptacle 20having a base 21, a pair of sidewalls 24 having drainage openings 25,and a pair of end walls 23 to form a receiving cavity 28 therebetween,gripping means 40, such as a gripping pad, connected to a lower surfaceof the base 21 for securing the receptacle 20 to a solid surface 12 suchthat the receptacle 20 remains substantially stable and stationeryduring use, a sponge member 50 removably positioned within the receivingcavity 28 of the receptacle 20. The sponge member 50 includes aprojecting upper portion 55 extending upwardly beyond the receptacle 20for massaging, scrubbing and washing an underside of a foot. A pluralityof posts 30 may extend upwardly from an upper surface of the base 21 andreceived within receiver openings 53 of the sponge member 50 for furtherstabilizing the sponge member 50 within the receptacle 20.

B. Receptacle

The receptacle 20 is generally comprised of a substantially rigidstructure and is used for supporting the sponge member 50 in asubstantially fixed position relative the solid surface 12 (e.g. floor)and also allows for the removal of the sponge member 50 for replacement,interchanging, drying, or for various other reasons. The receptacle 20is generally comprised of a plastic material; however other materialsmay be appreciated. The receptacle 20 is further generally box-like inshape; however other shapes may be appreciated all which conform to thesponge member 50 to allow for the sponge member 50 to be positionedpartially within the receptacle 20 and stabilized therein.

In the preferred embodiment, the receptacle 20 includes a base 21generally of a rectangular shape and having an upper surface and a lowersurface. The receptacle 20 may be other shapes, such as circular,ovular, triangular, etc. The lower surface receives the gripper pad 40or other connecting means for connecting the receptacle 20 to a solidsurface 12, such as a floor 12 of a bathtub. One or more recessedportions 22 may also extend within the lower surface of the base 21 forreceiving the gripper pad 40. The recessed portion 22 is generallycentered with the base 21 and may be rectangular in shape or becomprised of other shapes. The recessed portion 22 preferably does notextend all the way through the base 21, such as to not extend within thecavity 28 defined by the receptacle 20 on the upper surface side of thebase 21.

The receptacle 20 includes end walls 23 and sidewalls 24 extendingupwardly from a peripheral edge of close proximity thereto of the base21 to form a cavity 28 therebetween. The end walls 23 and the sidewalls24 are generally rectangular in shape to form the box-like shapedreceptacle 20. The sidewalls 24 preferably include a plurality ofdrainage openings 25 extending therethrough for allowing water and/orsoap to drain from the cavity 28 of the receptacle 20. The end walls 23may also include drainage openings in alternate embodiments.

The sidewalls 24 also each preferably includes a notch 26 extendingwithin from an upper edge of the sidewalls 24 and generally centeredalong the length of the upper edge of the sidewalls 24. The notch 26 ispreferably semi-circular in shape and is for allowing a user to graspthe sides of the sponge member 50 for removal from the cavity 28. Theend walls 23 may also include notches in alternate embodiments.

The posts 30 may also be used to assist in stabilizing the sponge member50 within the cavity 28. In the preferred embodiment a plurality ofposts 30 extend upwardly from the upper surface of the base 21, whereinone post 30 is preferably located adjacent each of the corners of thebase 21 to total four posts 30. The posts 30 extend upwardly from thebase 21 but do not extend above the upper edge of the sidewalls 24 andend walls 23 and preferably terminate below the upper edge of thesidewalls 24 and the end walls 23. The posts 30 can be hollow or solid.

The posts 30 are each preferably comprised of a solid cylindrical shapedstructure. The posts 30 are secured to the base 21 in a fixed manner andmay be integral with the base 21. The user preferably does not engagethe posts 30 when stepping upon the upper portion 55 of the spongemember 50, wherein the posts 30 are sufficiently below the upper portion55 of the sponge member 50.

C. Gripper Pad

The gripper pad 40 fits within the recessed portion 22 and is securedtherein, such as by an adhesive 43 or other means. The gripper pad 40 ispreferably substantially flush with the lower surface of the base 21 orextends slightly below the lower surface of the base 21 when positionedwithin the recessed portion 22 so that the gripper pad 40 maycomfortably engage and connect to the solid surface 12 below in a securemanner thus not allowing the receptacle 20 to move during use of thesponge member 50.

The gripper pad 40 is generally comprised of a resilient material 41,such as rubber or silicone rubber, having adhesive material 43 thereonfor securing to the solid surface 12. The resilient material 41 helpsthe gripper pad 40 to conform to different textured and shaped solidsurfaces 12. The adhesive 42, 43 ensures that the gripper pad 40 remainssecured to both the receptacle 20 and the solid surface 12, wherein thegripper pad 40 may include an adhesive 42 along an upper surface toconnect to the recessed portion 22 of the base 21 and also include anadhesive 43 along a lower surface to connect to the respective solidsurface 12.

A removable film paper 45 may be used to cover any exposed adhesive 42,43 prior to use, wherein the film paper 45 is simply removed whenattaching to the receptacle 20 and/or solid surface 12. The adhesive 42,43 may be integrally formed with the resilient material and may be of atype to allow for removal of the receptacle 20 from the floor 12 viavertically lifting the receptacle 20 from the floor 12 but preventside-to-side movement of the receptacle 20 with respect to the floor 12through a frictionally gripping force.

D. Sponge Member

The absorbent sponge member 50 is removably inserted within the cavity28 and stabilized therein during use. The sponge member 50 may becomprised of a plurality of different textures and materials suitable tothe desired use of the user. For example, the sponge member 50 may becomprised of a substantially resilient and soft texture, a substantiallyrigid and coarse texture, or various other textures. The sponge member50 may further be comprised of a spongy material, may have bristlesextending therefrom, or various combinations thereof. The sponge member50 may also be a permastone structure.

The lower portion 51 of the sponge member 50 is preferably box-like inshape to be received within the cavity 28 of the receptacle 20 in afitted manner. The bottom 52 of the lower portion 51 preferably includesa plurality of receiver openings 53 extending therein. The receiveropenings 53 snugly receive the posts 30 of the receptacle 20 and arethus align with each of the respective posts 30. The receiver openings53 generally do not extend completely through the sponge member 50 andterminate before protruding through the upper portion 55.

The upper portion 55 of the sponge member 50 extends above thereceptacle 20 to be engaged by the underside of the foot of the user formassaging, scrubbing and washing the underside of the foot. The upperportion 55 may include various cleaning outer surfaces 56 thereon toengage the foot in various cleaning, massaging, scrubbing, or washingmanners.

The upper portion 55 is also generally arched in a convex or outwardlycurving manner relative the receptacle 20 to better conform to the archof the underside of the foot. It is appreciated however that the upperportion 55 may take on various other shapes all which efficiently clean,massage, scrub, or wash the underside of the foot and extend above thereceptacle 20 to prevent the underside of the foot from engaging thereceptacle 20 when the sponge member 50 is stood upon or pressed downupon in a firm scrubbing, washing, or massaging manner. The upperportion 55 and the lower portion 51 are preferably integral in structureso that the water and/or soap is able to be evenly absorbed andreleased.

E. Operation of Preferred Embodiment

In use, the present invention is generally used in a bathtub, tub, bath,shower, or any area in which a cleaning, scrubbing, massaging, orwashing of the foot is desired. The gripper pad 40 is attached to thereceptacle 20 within the recessed portion 22 and the gripper pad 40 issubsequently attached to the floor 12 of the bathtub or other solidsurface. It is appreciated that the scrubber 10 may be sold with thegripper pad 40 already attached to the receptacle 20 or the user mayperform this task after purchasing, such as when different types ofgripper pads 40 may be utilized. It is also appreciated that any filmpaper 45 is removed from the adhesive 43 prior to adhering the gripperpad 40 to the floor 12.

The sponge member 50 is then inserted within the cavity 28 of thereceptacle 20 so that the receiver openings 53 extending within thelower portion 51 of the sponge member 50 align with the posts 30extending upwardly from the upper surface of the base 21 of thereceptacle 20. The sponge member 50 is extended downwardly until thebottom 52 of the sponge member 50 engages the upper surface of the base21 and the sides and ends of the lower portion 51 of the sponge member50 are positioned flushly against the inside surfaces of the sidewalls24 and the end walls 23 of the receptacle 20.

The user may now utilize the scrubber 10 by sliding, rotating, orotherwise moving the underside of their foot against the upper portion55 of the sponge member 50. Various cleaning solutions, such as soap,etc. or other liquids may be applied to the sponge member 50 as desired.During use, extra water and/or cleaning liquids are drained from thereceptacle 20 through the drainage openings 25.

If the sponge member 50 is desired to be removed from the receptacle 20for interchanging with a different type sponge member 50, replacement,etc. the sides of the lower portion 51 of the sponge member 50 aregrasped via extending the user's fingers within each of the notches 26and the sponge is simply lifted out of the cavity 28. The receptacle 20may also be removed from the floor 12 as desired, wherein the adhesive43 preferably allows for removal of the receptacle 20 from the floor 12thus allowing storage of the scrubber 10 during non use.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materialssimilar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in thepractice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods andmaterials are described above. All publications, patent applications,patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated byreference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law andregulations. In case of conflict, the present specification, includingdefinitions, will control. The present invention may be embodied inother specific forms without departing from the spirit or essentialattributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the presentembodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are forconvenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.

1. A foot scrubber for use in a bathtub or the like, comprising: areceptacle having a base, a pair of sidewalls, and a pair of end walls;wherein said pair of sidewalls and said pair of end walls extendupwardly from a substantial peripheral edge of said bottom to form areceiving cavity therebetween; gripping means connected to a lowersurface of said base for securing said receptacle to a solid surfacesuch that said receptacle remains substantially stable and stationeryduring use; and a sponge member having a lower portion and an upperportion, wherein said lower portion is removably positioned within saidreceiving cavity of said receptacle to be encased by said base, saidpair of sidewalls, and said pair of end walls of said receptacle;wherein said upper portion extends upwardly beyond said receptacle formassaging, scrubbing and washing an underside of a foot.
 2. The footscrubber of claim 1, wherein said gripping means is comprised of agripping pad.
 3. The foot scrubber of claim 2, wherein said gripping padis comprised of an adhesive-rubber material.
 4. The foot scrubber ofclaim 1, wherein a lower surface of said base has a recessed portionextending therein for receiving said gripping means.
 5. The footscrubber of claim 4, wherein a lower surface of said gripping means issubstantially flush with said lower surface of said base.
 6. The footscrubber of claim 1, wherein said pair of sidewalls each include atleast one drainage opening extending therethrough and in connection withsaid cavity.
 7. The foot scrubber of claim 1, wherein said pair ofsidewalls each include a notch extending within from an upper edge of arespective sidewall of said pair of sidewalls.
 8. The foot scrubber ofclaim 7, wherein said notch is semi-circular in shape.
 9. The footscrubber of claim 1, wherein said sponge member is comprised of aresilient and absorbent material.
 10. The foot scrubber of claim 1,wherein said upper portion is comprised of a convex shaped structure.11. The foot scrubber of claim 1, including a plurality of postsextending upwardly from an upper surface of said base.
 12. The footscrubber of claim 11, wherein said lower portion of said sponge includesa plurality of receiver openings for receiving said plurality of posts.13. A foot scrubber for use in a bathtub or the like, comprising: areceptacle having a base, a pair of sidewalls, and a pair of end walls;wherein said pair of sidewalls and said pair of end walls extendupwardly from a substantial peripheral edge of said bottom to form areceiving cavity therebetween; a gripping pad connected to a lowersurface of said base for securing said receptacle to a solid surfacesuch that said receptacle remains substantially stable and stationeryduring use; a plurality of posts extending upwardly from an uppersurface of said base; and a sponge member having a lower portion and anupper portion, wherein said lower portion is removably positioned withinsaid receiving cavity of said receptacle to be encased by said base,said pair of sidewalls, and said pair of end walls of said receptacle;wherein said lower portion of said sponge includes a plurality ofreceiver openings extending upwardly from a bottom of said lower portionof said sponge for receiving said plurality of posts; wherein said upperportion extends upwardly beyond said receptacle for massaging, scrubbingand washing an underside of a foot.
 14. The foot scrubber of claim 13,wherein said gripping pad is comprised of an adhesive-rubber material.15. The foot scrubber of claim 13, wherein a lower surface of said basehas a recessed portion extending therein for receiving said grippingpad.
 16. The foot scrubber of claim 15, wherein a lower surface of saidgripping pad is substantially flush with said lower surface of saidbase.
 17. The foot scrubber of claim 13, wherein said pair of sidewallseach include at least one drainage opening extending therethrough and inconnection with said cavity.
 18. The foot scrubber of claim 13, whereinsaid pair of sidewalls each include a notch extending within from anupper edge of a respective sidewall of said pair of sidewalls.
 19. Thefoot scrubber of claim 13, wherein said upper portion is comprised of aconvex shaped structure.
 20. A foot scrubber for use in a bathtub or thelike, comprising: a box-shaped receptacle having a base, a pair ofsidewalls, and a pair of end walls; wherein said pair of sidewalls andsaid pair of end walls extend upwardly from a substantial peripheraledge of said bottom to form a receiving cavity therebetween; wherein alower surface of said base has a recessed portion extending therein; agripping pad connected to said base and positioned within said recessedportion of said base for securing said receptacle to a solid surfacesuch that said receptacle remains substantially stable and stationeryduring use; wherein a lower surface of said gripping pad issubstantially flush with said lower surface of said base; wherein saidgripping pad is comprised of an adhesive-rubber material; wherein saidpair of sidewalls each include at least one drainage opening extendingtherethrough and in connection with said cavity; wherein said pair ofsidewalls each include a notch extending within from an upper edge of arespective sidewall of said pair of sidewalls; wherein said notch issemi-circular in shape; a plurality of posts extending upwardly from anupper surface of said base, wherein each of said plurality of posts ispositioned adjacent a corner of said base; and a sponge member having alower portion and an upper portion, wherein said lower portion isremovably positioned within said receiving cavity of said receptacle tobe encased by said base, said pair of sidewalls, and said pair of endwalls of said receptacle; wherein said sponge member is comprised of apermastone structure; wherein said lower portion of said sponge includesa plurality of receiver openings extending upwardly from a bottom ofsaid lower portion of said sponge for receiving said plurality of posts;wherein said upper portion is comprised of a convex shaped structure;wherein said upper portion extends upwardly beyond said receptacle formassaging, scrubbing and washing an underside of a foot.